The 9 Best Baby Cribs of 2024
Last Updated on January 7, 2024 by babygatesplus.com
A crib is the focal point of your baby’s room. When buying one, you will want to ensure that it is safe, reliable, comfortable, versatile, convenient, and highly functional. Besides that, you might want to get the best baby crib that features a convertible design so that it can grow with your baby.
Having in mind that several manufacturers are after creating cribs for profit and not to offer such convenience, we did hours to hours research for you and narrowed down to nine baby cribs designed to offer the best user experience. Have a look at the best cribs review and avoid the disappointment that comes up because of buying low-quality baby cribs.
Top Recommendations 2024
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Safe to use, Stylish, Convertible, Comfortable
Item Weight: 56.5 pounds, Product Dimensions: 54 x 29.8 x 35 inches, Available colors: Black, Blush Pink, Espresso/White, Espresso, Grey, Grey/white, white, Washed Natural, White/Washed Natural
DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Converts to toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed, Four adjustable mattress positions, Convertible, Durable
Item Weight: 56.1 pounds, Product Dimensions: 54.5 x 35 x 42 inches
BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light: Best for Travel
JPMA Certified Product with safe, Breathable mesh sides and a soft, Portable, Easy to assemble, Easy to clean, Safe to use, Comfortable
Item Weight: 0.48 ounces, Product Dimensions: 44 x 25 x 32 inches
Storkcraft Tuscany 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
4-In-1 Design, Adjustable mattress height, Complete bedroom solution, Stylish, Safe design, Durable construction
Item Weight: 58.1 pounds, Product Dimensions: 54.2 x 33 x 43 inches
Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Crib and changer, 4-In-1 crib, Adjustable mattress height, Classic arched headboard design, Safe choice, Different sizes
Item Weight: 98 pounds, Product Dimensions: 59.5 x 33.2 x 9.5 inches
The 9 Best Baby Cribs Review
1: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
Are you a stylish parent who doesn’t want to compromise safety and style while picking your baby crib? If that is the case, the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib has your needs covered. Whether you prefer a time-honored palette or contemporary style for the nursery, you can be sure to get that since the crib comes in a variety of colors as you will see in our “specs” section, allowing you to pick the right crib designed to fit your decor.
Have a look at some of the reason why this is a perfect crib for your young one.
Safe to use
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib is designed to be safe for young ones. It is made using sustainable New Zealand pine wood that exempts lead, toxic finish, and phthalates. Furthermore, the crib is Greenguard Gold certified where it is screened for 10,000chemicals and 360VOCs to assure you of its safety. The fact that the crib meets the U.S. CPSC and ASTM international safety standards mean that it is safe to use.
Stylish
Adding to the safety, the crib features a stylish look, which makes it a perfect choice for modern and traditional decor styles. Specifically, the crib includes stylish rounded spindles designed to give it an open and radiant feel. Also, it features an eco-conscious design, which makes it suitable for use by modern parents.
Convertible
Designed to grow with your baby, this is a 3-in-1 convertible crib. To facilitate this feature, the crib comes with a toddler bed conversions kit designed for a smooth transition from a crib to a toddler bed or daybed.
Comfortable
Babyletto doesn’t forget about comfort when designing this crib. The crib features four adjustable mattress positions, which means that you can customize the position of the mattress to fit the user’s safety and comfort needs.
Recommended use
The Babyletto Hudson crib is designed for use from birth to once a child begins to climb or reaches a height of 35″.
Specifications
Item Weight: 56.5 pounds
Product Dimensions: 54 x 29.8 x 35 inches
Available colors: Black, Blush Pink, Espresso/White, Espresso, Grey, Grey/white, white, Washed Natural, White/Washed Natural
Pros
- All-spindle sides allow you to keep an eye at your baby.
- The crib features quality materials.
- Mattress support features multiple height settings.
- Nice and modern design.
- It includes a bonus toddler rail.
Cons
- Screws attaching the sides are large.
- When lowered to the third or fourth lowest height setting, there is no room for a skirt.
2: DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Create a safe sleeping haven for your little one with the DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib. Made by a company that has been crafting baby items for over 25 years, this is a crib that features a design that doesn’t comprise safety, quality, or design. As a result, you can expect to make a great decision by opting to get this product.
Convertible
Versatile in nature, the DaVinci Kalani crib converts to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. For you to facilitate the conversion, you should get a conversion kit which is sold separately and get to benefit from the versatility of the bed.
Safe design
DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib is safe to use. The reason to support this is that it is finished using non-toxic paint that excludes phthalates and Lead. Besides that, the crib features a GreenGuard Gold Certification. This means that it features low VOC content, whereas it is free of harmful chemicals. The crib meets or exceeds ASTM international and U.S. CPSC safety standards further assuring you that it is safe for use with babies.
Durable
Beautifully made and crafted using 100% sustainable New Zealand Pine wood, the DaVinci Kalani is a perfect choice to a stylish and durable baby crib.
Recommended use
This crib is designed for kids up to 35″(crib stage). When converted to a day-bed or full-size bed, it can accommodate kids of up to 50pounds. However, you should not use the crib when the child begins to climb to enhance his/her safety.
Specifications
Item Weight: 56.1 poundsProduct Dimensions: 54.5 x 35 x 42 inchesAvailable colors: Grey, Ebony, Rich Cherry, Honey Oak, Chestnut, White, and Espresso.
Pros
- Easy to assemble.
- Adjustable mattress height makes the crib suitable for use with growing kids.
- Sturdy and well-made.
- Clear instructions enhance easy assembly.
- The crib features a stable design.
Cons
- Slat spaces are quite big and result in trapping of kid’s legs.
- Paint scratches easily.
- No spare screws.
3: BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light
Traveling can be both fun and exciting. However, parents know that sleeping away from home with little kids has never been easy. For this reason, here comes the Babybjorn Travel Crib, which is designed to give you peace of mind when sleeping away from home with small children.
The crib is designed to provide a safe and comfortable space where your little ones can play while at home or on the road. There is a range of features that make this crib is must-have for any parent looking forward to purchasing the best baby crib, let’s have a look.
Portable
The BABYBJORN Travel Crib features a portable design. The crib measures 32 x 44 x 25 inches but features a foldable design allowing you to fold it to a compact 19 x 23.5 x 5.5inches size and store it in a carry bag. This design makes the crib easy to store and carry in any baggage space.
Easy to assemble
Something else that makes this crib a must-have is its easy-to-setup design. The crib includes legs that unfold automatically, whereas it excludes loose parts that require you to attach. Because of that, the crib acts as a perfect choice for both long and short trips.
Easy to clean
Adding to the ease of set up, the Babybjorn Travel Crib is easy to clean. The crib features 100% polyester fabric and a mattress cover that features 100% polyester on the bottom side and 50% polyester/ 50% polyurethane (PU) on the top. These fabrics are easy to remove and machine washable assuring you of getting a unit that is easy to keep clean.
Safe to use
Adopting a design that is safe for kids, the crib features products that are JPMA Certified to enhance safety. On top of that, the cradle includes fabrics that are tested and approved in accordance with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1 for baby products. This makes the featured fabrics safe to use, which means that you should never worry in case the little one chews on the fabrics.
Comfortable
Besides being safe, the crib is comfortable to use. The fact that it comes with a soft and sturdy mattress makes it a cozy place for young ones to sleep.
Recommended use
Who should use the Babybjorn Travel Crib? This crib is designed to be used by newborns until the baby reaches the age of three. It doesn’t have any weight limit, but it limits its use with a child who can climb on.
Specifications
Item Weight: 0.48 ounces,Product Dimensions: 44 x 25 x 32 inchesAvailable colors: Anthracite, silver, Greige, and black.
Pros
- Soft and airy mesh fabric on the sides allows the baby to breathe through while providing an unobstructed view of the kid.
- Hook-and-loop attachment helps to keep the mattress in place.
- Built-in rigid base offers stability.
- Insulated mattress keeps the baby warm and comfortable.
- Easy to set up and takedown.
- Compact and portable.
Cons
- Sheet can’t be put in a dryer.
- Padding is a little bit thin.
- Quite expensive.
- Quite tricky to lean over the sides to put a sleeping baby to sleep.
4: Storkcraft Tuscany 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Provide your kid with a comfortable and peaceful place to sleep for the rest of their life once you get the Storkcraft Tuscany 4-in-1 Convertible Crib. Designed by a company with over 70 years of experience in making furniture meant to be used by infants, toddlers, and teens, the crib is a sure bet when it comes to quality, safety, and design.
Versatile design
Designed to grow with your young one, the Storkcraft Tuscany is a 4-in-1 convertible crib. Ideally, the crib converts to a toddler’s bed, day bed, and full-size bed. The toddler bed is designed for toddlers, the day bed for kids between the toddler and teen’s stage, whereas the full-size bed holds teens to the adult stage. Because of this, the convertible crib eliminates the hassle associated with the need for getting a new bed as a result of your little one overgrowing the crib.
Adjustable mattress height
Aiming to support the versatile design, this crib features an adjustable mattress height. To be specific, the mattress adjusts to three heights enabling you to spot the right mattress height based on the age of the baby. In this regard, you can use the highest height when dealing with an infant and lower it as the kid grows.
Stylish
Storkcraft doesn’t sacrifice style when crafting this convertible crib. The crib comes in an assortment of colors, making it easy for you to find one that will match your baby’s modern decor. Also, the crib features a magical sleigh design and beautiful solid construction, making it a royal centerpiece in any nursery.
Safe design
Rest with peace of mind knowing that your baby is sleeping on a safe place as soon as you adopt this 4-in-1 Convertible Crib. The crib’s side features a stationary design, which means that you should never worry about your kid falling through any of the sides.
Adding to that, it includes a sturdy support base that doesnt tip when the crib is in use. The crib further includes non-toxic, durable finishes so that you will never worry about exposing your child to substances that may result in allergic reactions or harm to your kid’s wellbeing.
Durable construction
Built to provide years of reliable performance, this crib features a sturdy construction. In particular, it is made using solid wood and wood products. These materials enhance strength and a stylish look designed to match traditional and modern decor styles.
Recommended use
Having in mind that the Storkcraft Tuscany Crib features a convertible design, this crib is suitable for use with infants until past the teen’s age. During the crib stage, the bed should be used with kids with a maximum height of up to 35inches or once the kid starts to climb, whichever comes first.
Specifications
Item Weight: 58.1 poundsProduct Dimensions: 54.2 x 33 x 43 inchesAvailable colors: Espresso, Gray, Black, Cherry, and White.
Pros
- Beautiful curves, attractive colors, and clean lines guarantee a stylish design.
- Parts are labeled to enhance easy assembly.
- Great packaging.
- Sturdy and durable.
- Easy to put together.
- Smooth and durable finish.
Cons
- Some users complain about missing assembly parts.
- Wood scratches easily.
5: Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
A baby crib doesn’t have to be one that is designed to take the baby from infant to toddler and stop at that. You can get a crib that is designed to provide a comfortable and peaceful place for your kid to sleep until adulthood, and Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib is one of these products. Please have a look at what it has to offer.
5-in-1 design
As you can tell from its name, the Graco Benton features a 5-in-1 design, which means that it can convert to different bed types allowing it to grow with your baby. The convertible crib can transform from a crib to a toddler bed, a day bed, full-size bed (headboard only) or a full-size bed (footboard and headboard).
When used as a full-size bed, the crib features a footboard and headboard, making it possible for adolescents to sleep comfortably. However, if you want to convert the crib to a full-size bed, you should get the bed frame and mattress conversion kit separately.
Adjustable mattress height
Another advantage of the Graco Benton is its adjustable mattress height. In particular, the bed allows for three adjustable mattress heights so that it can support the needs of your growing child.
Classic arched headboard design
In addition to the listed features, the crib includes a classic arched headboard design and full-frame. These features enhance a stylish look, which makes the Graco Benton an elegant addition to any nursery.
Recommended use
Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib is designed for newborns to adolescents. The crib is suitable for use by babies. It later converts to a toddler bed suitable or toddlers, a day bed and full-size bed for use past the toddler stage.
Specifications
Item Weight: 98poundsProduct Dimensions: 59.5 x 33.2 x 9.5 inchesAvailable colors: Driftwood, Black, Pebble Gray, Whitewash, and white.
Pros
- Strong and elegant frame.
- Sturdy and easy to put together.
- Three adjustable height levels.
- Easy to assemble it alone.
Cons
- Some users complain about missing or wrong-sized parts.
- Paint chips easily.
- No written instructions in several packages.
6: Million Dollar Baby Classic Sullivan 4 in 1 Convertible Crib
Next, we have the Million Dollar Baby Classic Sullivan 4-in-1 Convertible Crib. Designed with safety in mind, the convertible crib acts as a great addition to any nursery. Its unique design that includes an arched headboard and tapered feet makes it a better inclusion in your home since this enhances transformative elegance while assuring you of getting a crib that will grow with your baby.
Versatile design
In most cases, parents prefer to invest in something that will deliver the best value for money by offering a long service. If you are one of these parents, this is one of the cribs to buy. The Million Dollar Classic Sullivan Crib features a 4-in-1 convertible design.
To be specific, the crib converts to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. So, buy a toddler bed conversion kit and a full-size bed conversion kit alongside the crib so that you can ensure that it will grow with your little one.
Safe to use
Another feature that makes the Million Dollar Classic Sullivan Crib a perfect choice is its safe-to-use design. The crib is made using New Zealand pine wood that features a non-toxic design. Furthermore, the wood doesn’t include lead or phthalates assuring you of its safety.
Recommended use
So who should buy this crib?I recommend the crib to any parent with an infant, and one who wants a bed that can grow with the baby. Having in mind that you can convert the crib to a toddler bed and day bed means that it is suitable for use with toddlers. Also, the crib converts to a full-size bed, making it ideal for teens and past the teen’s stage.
Specifications
Item Weight: 112.7 poundsProduct Dimensions: 57.6 x 56.8 x 31.5 inches.Available colors: Warm white and grey.
Pros
- Fixed side rails guarantee safety.
- Solid and well made.
- Easy to put together.
Cons
- The finish is a little bit dull.
7: Delta Children Bentley S Series 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib
Does your definition of the best baby crib mean a crib that is designed to grow with your baby? If so, the Delta Children Bentley Convertible Baby Crib might be the answer to your needs. Thoughtfully crafted with a growing baby needs in mind, this is one of the perfect choices for any parent who doesn’t want to buy a baby bed until past the toddler stage.
Convertible design
Designed to grow with your little one, the Delta Children’s convertible baby crib can convert into four different bed designs. Precisely, the cradle can convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed with headboard and footboard. Because of this, the bed can perfectly suit your growing baby until past the toddler stage.
3-Position mattress
In addition to the convertible design, the bed includes an adjustable mattress. The mattress offers for three different height adjustments allowing you to lower it as the baby begins to sit or stand.
Durable
Built to last, the crib features a sturdy wood construction. The adopted wood is designed to stand the test of time, which assures you of getting a sturdy crib designed to last different generations.
Safe to use
Another plus of the Delta Children 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib is its safe-to-use design. The crib is JPMA certified to assure you of its safety. Also, it is tested for lead and other toxic elements where it was found to meet or exceed all safety standards set by ASTM and CPSC.
Stylish design
Delta Children didn’t sacrifice design when making this 4-in-1 convertible crib. The crib features a beautiful, understated sleigh silhouette that brings a perfect blend of function and fashion in your child’s space. Also, it comes in different color choices, making it suitable for use in various decor styles.
Recommended use
Similar to Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib, the Delta Children Bentley S Series 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib is designed for use by newborns to past the toddler stage. The reason behind this is its convertible design which allows you to locate the perfect bed for different ages.
Specifications
Item Weight: 68.4 poundsProduct Dimensions: 56 x 35 x 6.8 inchesAvailable colors: Chocolate, White, and Black Cherry.
Pros
- Sturdy wood construction enhances durability.
- Great packaging protects the crib from damage during delivery.
- Easy to assemble and convert to a toddler bed.
- Cute design and stylish colors.
Cons
- The crib features paint smell for the first few days.
- Parts aren’t labeled, which means that you can take much time during assembly if you are new to this.
8: Union 2-in-1 Convertible Crib
An elegant and beautiful addition to any nursery is the Union 2-in-1 Convertible Crib. Made using New Zeland Pine Wood, this crib is a perfect choice to a durable baby crib. That’s not all, since the crib combines a versatile, stylish and safe design, whereas it assembles in minutes. That means that you can get it with an assurance of creating a comfortable place for your young one to sleep within minutes of receiving it.
Convertible design
The Union Crib is a 2-in-1 Convertible Crib. It easily converts from a crib to a daybed using a separately-sold conversion kit. So, if you are planning to buy a crib that is designed to take your young one up to the toddler stage, then this acts as a great point to start.
Adding to that, the bed includes four adjustable mattress levels. In this case, you can use the highest level for infants and drop the mattress gradually as the kid grows. This design minimizes falls and accidents for the growing kid, which makes the crib versatile and safe at the same time.
Safe
Featuring a design that assures you of safety, the Union Crib adopts fixed rails painted using a non-toxic finish free of phthalates and lead. Also, it meets the U.S. CPSC and ASTM international safety standards. Because of this, you can get the crib without a doubt that it is entirely safe for use with the baby.
Stylish
Although Union lays great emphasis on safety and durability when creating this crib, they do not sacrifice style. The crib is a beautiful addition to all types of nursery decors since it features smooth and clean lines that add a touch of sophistication to a richly decorated nursery. Also, the crib is availed in six colors as you will see in the “specs” section enabling you to pick one that will match your decor’s style.
Recommended use
Due to the convertible design, the Union 2-in-1 Convertible Crib is designed for use by an infant until the toddler stage. Be cautious, however, not to use the crib with a baby who can climb out. As soon as the baby begins to climb, you should convert the bed to a daybed and lower the mattress level to enhance safety.
Specifications
Item Weight: 36.4 poundsProduct Dimensions: 53.5 x 30.5 x 33.5 inchesAvailable Colors: Lagoon, Espresso, Ebony, Grey, Natural, Sunshine, and white.
Pros
- Easy to set up.
- Available in a range of fun colors.
- Sturdy construction.
- Paint holds up well.
- Easy to lower to the lowest setting.
Cons
- The crib is quite short at the highest height level.
- Quite challenging to hang the mattress holder.
9: Dream On Me, Carson Classic 3 in 1 Convertible Crib
Add the sense of comfort in your baby’s nursery without compromising on elegance once you get the Dream On Me Convertible Crib. It is featuring a 3-in-1 convertible design, the crib converts to three types of bed which makes it suitable for any parent looking for the best crib designed to grow with the baby.
Away from that, it includes a range of other features that make it a product worth to many parents, let’s have a look.
Folding design
The Dream on Me adopts a patented folding system. This design allows the crib to fold to a compact size, making it easy to store. Adding to that, the crib doesn’t require any disassembly. Because of this, you will never have to waste any time trying to prepare it for storage.
Safe to use
Something else that makes the Dream on Me a great choice is its safe-to-use design. In particular, the crib features stationary rails and safety locking wheels. Thus its rails can’t drop during use while the crib remains in one place during use. As a result, you can be sure that the crib will never result in unforeseen accidents, more importantly, when the kid is alone.
Adding to that, the crib features materials that are free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and Latex so that you do not have to worry about safety. The Dream on Me meets or exceed all CPSC and ASTM standards assuring you that you do not have to worry about it, resulting in harm to your little one.
Convertible
As its name suggests, the crib features a convertible design. You can either use it as a crib, toddler bed, or day bed. To convert the crib to a toddler bed, toddler guard rails are required, but these are sold separately. On the other hand, you can convert the crib to a day bed. In this case, remove the front rail, adjust the mattress’s height, and assemble the bottom bar.
3-Position Mattress Support
Babies grow fast. Hence, they might outgrow their crib necessitating you to get a new bed as soon as that happens. To eliminate the hassle of getting a new bed soon, the Dream on Me features a 3-position Mattress Support.
This design allows you to adjust the height of the mattress, minimizing the danger of your baby climbing and falling out. When using this feature, start with the highest height setting for infants and gradually drop the mattress to accommodate the growing baby’ needs.
Recommended use
The Dream on Me is a perfect crib to any parent who cares about the decor design asides from the comfort and safety of the kid. Since it is a convertible crib, it is suitable for children with a weight up to 50lbs, which means that you can use it with kids up to the age of six to seven years.
Specifications
Item Weight: 36 poundsProduct Dimensions: 54 x 31 x 46 inchesAvailable Colors: Cherry, Cherry W/Mattress, Espresso, Natural, White, and Storm Grey.
Pros
- Includes all assembly tools.
- A wide selection of color schemes.
- Includes optional casters.
- Durable and lightweight due to the pinewood construction materials.
Cons
- Cribs do not include a mattress.
- Adjusting the base requires removal of one side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I use a baby crib?
Let’s start with the fact that kids have different rates of growth. However, babies should be kept in a crib until they can stand without support. Once they grow tall and manage to climb out, you should move them to a toddler’s bed to protect them from climbing out and falling accidentally.
Should I buy a new crib or can I use an old one?
Although using a used crib seems like a great way to save much cash, it can be dangerous in the long run to the point that you won’t appreciate using it to save some amount. The best option for you should be to get a new crib. The reason is that old cribs become unsafe in the long run by exposing some sharp edges while bolts become loose.
Which mattress should I get for my crib?
Although most cribs don’t include mattresses, you might be lucky to get a manufacturer who makes both cribs and mattresses. Hence, consult your manufacturer and request him to recommend a crib mattress designed to match your crib.
How much space should a crib feature between the slats?
A crib that is safe for use with your baby should feature spaces that are not more than 2″ between the slats. The reason is that bigger spaces could trap your child’s feet or hands, which may render it unsafe for the kid.
What accessories are not safe to add in a baby crib?
Although adults use blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals on beds, these aren’t recommended for use on a baby’s crib. The reason is that such supplies can result in suffocation when used in the wrong manner. Also, keep cuddly toys away and sharp objects away since you do not want to be sorry in the long run.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the safety and comfort of your little one are what that matter most when buying a baby crib. That said, avoid settling for less or buying a crib due to the low price. Choose to invest in a high-quality crib such as the best baby cribs in this review and avoid risking your baby’s wellbeing to save your money.
Features to Consider in Good Baby Cribs
Toxin-free materials
Good baby cribs should feature toxin-free materials to enhance safety. I would recommend that you get a crib that includes toxic-free paint and wood that excludes Volatile Organic Compounds. The reason is that this design protects from the spread of toxic gas to guarantee the safety of your baby.
Slat distance
The slat distance is the space between two slats of the crib. Be cautious and get a crib that features small slat spaces, that is space that is not anything greater than 2″. The reason behind this is that a more significant slat distance increases the risk of getting your baby’s legs and arms getting trapped. So, measure the slat distances and get a crib that offers for small spaces between the slats.
Mattress height
A good crib should feature an adjustable mattress height. This feature lets you adjust the height of the mattress to two, three, or four positions. You can use the highest height with infants who can’t push up on their hands and the lower height with kids who can sit and pull up to protect them from falling. Also, consider the method of adjusting the mattress’s height and get one that doesn’t require a big procedure or lots of tools so that you can adjust with little effort.
Safety standards and certifications
If you care about the wellbeing of your baby, then you must get a crib that meets different standards and certifications. Hence, go for cribs that are tested to meet or exceed ASTM and JPMA standards. Also, get a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified to guarantee that they are tested for more than 360VOCs and more than 10,000 toxic chemicals.
Convertible design
Babies grow fast. They can outgrow their cribs after a year. That said, I recommend that you get a crib that features a convertible design. This design allows you to convert the crib to a toddler bed by adding a rail or removing one side. So, if you want to save some money when raising your baby, opt for a convertible crib so that it can grow with your baby to whatever stage that seems to suit your needs best.
Construction materials
Good cribs should include durable and safe materials. In this regard, get a crib that features solid wood to guarantee durability. On top of that, consider the paint and get paint that is safe to use and one that doesn’t peel out since such paint can attract your baby to put it into the mouth.
Teething Rails
If you have a baby who likes to gnaw, you will want to get a crib that includes teething rails. For those of you wondering what teething rails are, these are smooth plastic coverings located on the top of the side rails. The rails are designed to protect the crib, teeth, and gums when used by kids who gnaw on the crib’s rails. If you are getting a crib that includes such features, ensure that the rails can stay in place without cracking or breaking.
Drop Sides or Stationary Sides?
While drop sides are considered convenient for parents, by ensuring easy access to the baby, these sides are not a right choice when you want to guarantee the safety of the kid. Therefore, avoid buying cribs that feature dropping sides since this can cause your baby to fall.
Casters
Do you want to get a crib that is easy to maneuver? If yes, get a crib that includes caster wheels. Casters should let you roll the crib around which makes it easy for you to move the crib from one place to another. Also, check to ensure that the casters are strong since flimsy wheels can risk your baby’s safety. Also, get a crib that includes locking casters since these make it easy for you to secure the crib into place
Storage
Extra storage is another feature that you might want to consider when choosing the best baby cribs. In this regard, check for a model that includes one or two drawers under the mattress support structure. Also, be sure to pull out the drawer and inspect its construction to ensure that there is enough space for storing crib sheets, mattress pads, among other nursery essentials.
Room Size and crib size
The size of the available space and the crib size is another feature to consider if you want to buy the right crib. After all, apartments are getting smaller and smaller, and you do not want to clutter your baby’s room. So, measure the available space, and the dimensions of the crib so that you can buy a crib that will fit into the room without cluttering the open space.
Single drop grates
If you want to ensure the safety of your kid and have easy access to him or her, then a crib that includes single drop grates is the right choice. This design lets you lower a small portion of the crib’s side instead of the entire side, which makes it easy for you to get the baby out without any safety hazards.
When do You Need a Baby Crib?
Have you been wondering; ”which is the right time to move your baby to a crib?”Well, let’s start from the point that babies are different. While most infants sleep in the bassinet during the first day, some of them do not find sleep in there and therefore go directly to the crib.However, during the first days, most babies sleep in a bassinet since this is a convenient place to ensure easy access to the baby during the early weeks.
Once the baby reaches three or four months, they can now switch to the crib since most of them don’t fit in the bassinet. Also, once a baby reduces the middle-of-the-night feeding, you can change him or her to the crib so that he or she can get enough room for stretching.
Similar Design But Different Price; Why?
Have you come across two cribs featuring the same design but different prices? Wondering, why such cribs come at different prices?
Well, this can be because of different reasons.
Either, higher-priced crib meets some safety standards that the other doesn’t meet, or such a crib is made by a manufacturer that has been on the market for long, or it features materials that are guaranteed to last. Therefore, do some deep research and read several customer reviews since these should give you a clue why this happens.
Safety Guidelines When Using a Baby Crib
Use a firm crib mattress
While you might be tempted to lay your baby on cushioned surfaces, this is not safe for your infant. The reason is that such surfaces can result in suffocation because of the mattress forming to the baby’s body and face. Instead of using cushioned surfaces, use a firm mattress and sheets that fit into the bed firmly.
Before making your choice, perform a two-finger test, where you place two fingers between the mattress and crib. If you manage to fit more than two fingers in the space, this means that chances of getting the arms and legs stuck are high. Therefore, avoid such a mattress until you can get a firm mattress.
Avoid bulky blankets
An infant doesn’t usually much muscle control. That means that he or she can’t manage the weight imposed by thick blankets. If you want to keep your baby warm during a cold night, use a warm pajama instead. That way, you will protect your little one from getting caught up in plush items without sacrificing warmth.
Place the baby on his back when sleeping
To reduce the risk of suffocation, avoid using sleep positioners that keep your baby in one sleep position. Also, do not lay the baby in any other sleeping position apart from the back since such situations increase the risks of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). You can also use a pacifier when placing your little one to sleep since this has been proven to reduce the risks of SIDS.
Keep all items and supplies off the crib
Are there times when you feel tempted to include supplies such as pillows, blankets, or toys in your crib? Well, you shouldn’t do that on a crib that will be used by an infant. The reason is that stuffed items can suffocate the baby, while sharp objects can result in accidents.
Place the baby on his back when sleeping
To reduce the risk of suffocation, avoid using sleep positioners that keep your baby in one sleep position. Also, do not lay the baby in any other sleeping position apart from the back since such situations increase the risks of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). You can also use a pacifier when placing your little one to sleep since this has been proven to reduce the risks of SIDS.
Avoid uncertified cribs
You do not want to injure your baby by using a crib that isn’t certified. The reason is that such cribs might have adopted materials that are harmful to babies or designs that risk your baby’s safety. If you do not have certifications such as ASTM, CPSC, or JPMA, avoid using the crib since such models can endanger your kid’s wellbeing.
Avoid cribs that include dropping sides
Although cribs with drop sides allow easy access to the baby, such cribs are not safe for the baby. Several deaths are related to using cribs that feature dropping sides. So, avoid cribs with drop sides to ensure the safety of your baby.